Moving from Lowell, MA to Tuscaloosa, AL
A move from Lowell, MA to Tuscaloosa, AL covers 1235 mi and around 23h 41m of driving through 10 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1235 mi Β· 23h 41m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β NJ β PA β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β NJ β PA β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Cambridge, Manchester, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Tuscaloosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 87.722 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 84.396 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 58.246 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 108.266 to 87.722, putting Tuscaloosa roughly 19.0% below Lowell on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Tuscaloosa: 19.0% below Lowell on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Tuscaloosa +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 57.3" |
Major climate step-up: 15.3Β°F warmer annual average in Tuscaloosa vs Lowell.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 107,699 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $48,536 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 28.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.68 |
Median household income in Tuscaloosa is 19.0% below Lowell ($76,205 vs $48,536, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tuscaloosa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 15,750 | $48,310 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 9,940 | $37,980 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,860 | $25,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,250 | $36,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,780 | $29,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tuscaloosa average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Tuscaloosa averages 57.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Tuscaloosa compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $228,947 in Tuscaloosa vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 52.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1235 mi and the route typically takes 23h 41m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Tuscaloosa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 36.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Tuscaloosa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1235 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tuscaloosa more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tuscaloosa is 19.0% lower than Lowell (87.722 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Tuscaloosa, AL.